The Secrets of Filming African Cats

The Secrets of Filming African Cats

by Wildlife Film Producer Keith Scholey

Last night over 160 people from the Bath area came to hear Keith Scholey's fascinating talk on the filming of DisneyNature's feature film 'African Cats'. Organised by Tusk supporters Jannina Henderson and Cecilia Mead, the lecture chronicled the challenges, joys and sorrows experienced when filming the tough lives of one lion pride and a cheetah family in Kenya's Masai Mara. Guests also enjoyed an opportunity to ask Keith questions after his talk. The event was hugely succesfull, raising over £4,000 for the Charity.

Guests enjoyed drinks and canapes and taking part in a wonderful raffe and silent auction. Many thanks to all of those who donated prizes, especially Steve Butterworth of Chilo Gorge who kindly donated 3 nights accommodation at the stunning lodge in Zimbabwe.

Tusk Chief Executive, Charlie Mayhew, opened the evening with a speech and footage highlighting the current poaching crisis. Experts now estimate that there are fewer lion in the wild than white rhino and black rhino combined, with current figures for lion estimated at under 20,000 in total. Lion have long been threatened by livestock conflict and loss of habitat, but now they face persecution as a result of the growth in trade of lion parts in Asia.

Thank you very much to Savills of Bath for sponsoring the event and to Wessex Water for providing the venue and a host of wonderful staff. We would also like to thank TechnicalHire of Bristol for donating the AV equipment, Lidl for the wine and to all of the Tusk supporters who made this such a successful event. Special thanks from everyone at Tusk to Keith Scholey for giving so much time and support to Tusk.